CLINICAL RESEARCH INTEGRATES WITH GP AND PHARMACIST WORKFLOWS TO SUPPLEMENT PRACTICE REVENUE Primary health introductions to clinical trials leverages community trust in HCPs
With Charlotte Bradshaw,
CEO and Founder Evrima Technologies
SEGMENT
Filmed in Sydney | January 2025
Clinical trials are crucial to the development of evidence-based preventative medicines. In addition, participation in clinical trials can also provide patients with opportunities to access new treatments.
“Clinical trials are at the heart of medical advances which look into new ways to treat, prevent, or detect disease. Volunteers often do so to help contribute to advancing scientific research, knowing that they are participating in the hope of helping future generations,” said Charlotte Bradshaw, CEO and Founder to Evrima Technologies.
Ms Bradshaw spoke to Australian Health Journal about Evrima’s mission. As an Australian-based digital health company bringing trials to patients, GPs and pharmacists, world-class researchers are able to connect to the wider community through primary health care.
There are hundreds of clinical trials happening around the country and they can take place in hospitals, universities, private clinics and dedicated medical research institutes, yet the trusted role of a GP and pharmacists has opportunity to connect the stakeholder groups.
Research reveals that in Australia, 79% of people would consider being involved in a clinical trial, and 69% would be open to hearing about clinical trials from their GP or Health Care Practitioner. However, barriers such as time constraints, workforce shortages and lack of knowledge about the trials have been identified as barriers to GP referrals.
Each year, clinical trials are conducted to investigate treatment strategies (75%), disease prevention (15%), drugs and medicines (45%), and devices, lifestyles, and behaviours.
In Australia, trials that attract higher participation often centre around cancer and cardiovascular disease. Health conditions such as mental health, neurological and musculoskeletal trials, as well as those dealing with everyday issues including asthma and hypertension, often experience lower rates of participation.
With around 80% of clinical trials being delayed due to recruitment issues, Ms Bradshaw says that new referral platforms such as Evrima’s Evripath can simplify the process for practitioners and patients.
“We understand the daily challenges faced by GPs, but also appreciate that GPs are the gatekeepers to patient participation in clinical trials that are working towards better community outcomes,” said Ms Bradshaw.
Note: Research noted above is cited in the segment
-
Role of milk in cognitive function and quality of life in older adults
New research emphasises the role of cows’ milk, particularly A1 protein free milk, in enhancing cognitive function and quality of life for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A multi-centre, double-blinded, randomised controlled clinical study published in *The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging* evaluated 88 milk-tolerant Chinese adults aged 65-75 over three months. Participants consumed either ordinary skim milk or A1 protein free skim milk, leading to improvements in various cognitive assessments.
-
ICTD: Clinical trials in regional, rural and remote Australia
To mark International Clinical Trials Day 2026, Australian Health Journal commences a 4 part special series leaving up to 20th May. Through conversations with leading researchers, clinicians and trial organisations, the series highlights achievements in the year that was for clinical trials. The first segment is an example of how in-person clinical trial access has improved for regional, rural and remote communities.
-
Generosity of spirit in teaching
The Ramaciotti Medal for Excellence is considered one of the most prestigious awards in biomedical research in Australia and is highly sought after by researchers in the field.
In 2022, Professor Matthew Kiernan was the recipient of the Ramaciotti Medal for Excellence and the associated $50,000 award.
Australian Health Journal spoke with Professor Kiernan to hear about his journey in medicine and science to try and uncover and understand diseases and his generosity of spirit to pass on what he has learnt.
